The third edition of the International Kretinga Early Music Festival is a very special one. It will not only invite stars of international early music scene, as in the first two editions, but will also commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Baltic Way - the unique example of live human chain, connecting Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn, where approximately two million people joined their hands to show their protest against Soviet occupation and desire for independence of the three Baltic states (1989).

The festival will be opened on the 23rd of August by the ensemble I Fedeli, directed by Josué Meléndez, with music for cornettos and sackbuts. The second concert on the 25th of August will be an organ solo recital by the professor of Geneva Conservatory, the renowned Vincent Thévenaz. The second weekend will start on the 29th of August with the recital of Furio Zanasi, one of the most respected singers specialized in early music repertory. It will be followed by the recital of Luca Guglielmi on the 30th of August, one of the most prominent historical organ players of his generation. The last concert of this edition on the 1st of September will be a tribute to the 30th anniversary of The Baltic Way performed by the ensemble Canto Fiorito. This program will present pieces by baroque composers from the Baltics and by the great Arvo Pärt, one of the most prominent composers of our days. Canto Fiorito will perform it together with guest musicians from Latvia and Estonia, to celebrate together this special event that lead the Baltic States to restore their independence in 1990 and still inspires the world as the unique manifestation of solidarity.

Rodrigo Calveyra

Artistic director of International Kretinga Early Music Festival

Friday 23 August at 7pm

Ensemble I Fedeli (Switzerland), artistic director Josué Meléndez

A String of Pearls: Music for Cornetts and Sackbuts Linking South and North Europe

Sunday 25 August at 7pm

Vincent Thévenaz (Switzerland), solo organ recital

European Tour

Thursday 29 August at 7pm

Furio Zanasi, baritone, and Luca Guglielmi, organ (Italy)

A voce sola con sinfonie

Friday 30 August at 7pm

Luca Guglielmi (Italy), organ solo recital

Hexachordum Apollinis

Sunday 1 September at 7pm

Ensemble Canto Fiorito (Lithuania), artistic director Rodrigo Calveyra, with the guest performers from Latvia and Estonia

The Baltic Way: a musical bond between Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia

Tickets by donation